Scots favour Tokyo over Trondheim
Both events take place this week and Craig Anderson, Managing Director of SSC, explained his reasoning behind the decision to go to Japan.
“We’re an-export focused company and the Japanese market is, clearly, a better target for our produce than Norway,” he told Fish Farming Expert.
The Tokyo event is taking place on 19-21 August and is set to attract over 1,200 exhibitors and 35,000 visitors and the salmon companies will be joined by a number of other Scottish companies including Lunar Freezing & Cold Storage Co, Northbay Pelagic, Denholm Seafoods and Shetland Catch, which all produce mackerel and herring; Burgons of Eyemouth/The Blue Sea Food Company, which produces cooked brown crab; and the Hebridean Smokehouse, which produces smoked salmon, sea trout and shellfish.
Iain MacSween, Chief Executive of the Scottish Fisherman’s Organisation, and Chairman of Seafood Scotland, said: “Political issues, such as the import ban in Russia, and more recently, logistical challenges at the Channel, have a significant impact on the seafood industry. However, it is important to remember that Scotland has some of the best seafood in the world. The companies heading to Japan this week are to be applauded for proactively developing new markets despite the challenges coming their way.
“The Japanese are some of the most sophisticated consumers in the world when it comes to seafood, and the reviews when we share Scottish produce with chefs and buyers are overwhelmingly positive. So, we look forward to building upon this response to deepen the relationship over the coming months.”
Exports of Scottish fish and seafood to Japan have grown by around 180% since 2007 and Scottish companies and trade bodies are confident that this is a continuing trend.
Gilpin Bradley, one of four owners of Wester Ross Salmon, the oldest independent salmon farm in Scotland, said: “We’ve supplied the Japanese market for a few years, and they really appreciate our high quality sashimi grade Scottish salmon. By improving our understanding of this important market, we’re keen to achieve increased volumes.”
As part of the activity, an exclusive Scottish business dinner will be held at the British Embassy in Tokyo during the Expo. Hosted by Tim Hitchens, the British Ambassador to Japan, and Scottish Development International, the dinner will be attended by a range of Japanese and South Korean buyers and influencers from the food industry.
Susan Beattie, Head of Food and Drink at Scottish Development International, concludes: “Japan is one of our top prospect markets, with fantastic opportunities for seafood and other premium products. Along with our industry partners and Scottish Government, we have invested in an in-market specialist for Japan, complementing existing support from SDI’s Tokyo team. This means we can provide live market insights and build stronger connections with top chefs, retailers and distributors to help companies achieve their international ambitions.”
